(Council Bluffs, IA) – As we turn the corner into spring, officials with the Charles E. Lakin Foundation say they are excited to open up nominations for its annual Outstanding Teacher Award. The foundation is seeking stories of elementary and secondary teachers within 40 miles of Emerson, Iowa, who are going above and beyond for their students. Jennifer Green, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, Inc. Secretary, Operations and Grant Manager, says this is the 18th year for the award.

Since its inception, 64 teachers from around the region have been honored for the Outstanding Teacher Award.

Every spring the Charles E. Lakin Foundation honors four local educators–two elementary teachers and two secondary teachers, whose efforts encourage and motivate students to come to school and who see teaching as a calling, rather than a job.

Each winner will receive $10,000, with an additional $2,500 given to their school. Previous winners have spanned the gamut of education.

Nominations will be accepted through March 31st and the link below, or through the link at https://www.ghaea.org/

Educators may not be nominated by family members. The Charles E. Lakin Foundation serves six counties in Southwest Iowa (Pottawattamie, Cass, Mills, Montgomery, Fremont, Page) and two counties in Nebraska (Douglas and Sarpy).

Direct survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8T87FZX